Autograph Letter Signed by Future President; Aid to Constituent
Washington DC: March 21, 1878. 5.25" x 8.25", 1 p., SIGNED on House of Representatives stationary. Light fade at edges, several small foxing spots, two mailing folds, otherwise a very collectible, clean letter from the man whose presidency lasted barely six months. At the time of this letter he had been a Representative for Ohio's 19th District for more than 15 years and was only 3 years a way from his inauguration.
James Abram Garfield (1831 – 1881) was the 20th President of the United States, serving from March 4, 1881, until his assassination by the anarchist Charles J. Guiteau only four months later. Garfield survived the gunshot for another two more months, where upon he was succeeded by his Vice President Chester Arthur. Garfield had been elected to the Senate before his candidacy for the White House, though he declined the Senate seat once he was elected President. During the Civil War he opposed Confederate secession and served as a major general and fought in the battles of Middle Creek, Shiloh and Chickamauga. He was first elected to Congress in 1862 and served nine terms in the House of Representatives. Item #2679
"Rev. Isaac Abrinans / Dear Sir: I have presented your papers to the Committee on pensions, and they inform me that they have decided to report a special bill to grant you a pension. The general law should apply to you, but for the fact they your name was inearantly (sp) entered on the muster rolls. Hoping that we shall be able to pass the bill. I am very truly yours. /s/ Ja Garfield"
Price: $1,350.00